Trainer aims to lift equivalent of two double deckers
DEADLIFTING the equivalent of two double decker buses is the aim of personal trainer Jake Cornes, who will be completing the challenge tomorrow to raise money for Guernsey Mind.
A powerlifter for the last five years, Mr Cornes hopes to deadlift 30 tonnes within three hours by lifting 100kg 300 times.
Despite a neck injury, among other setbacks in his training, he feels ready for the challenge after completing 896 reps over the last six weeks, the best part of 100 tonnes.
‘I put together a six-week training programme and built up to three quarters of what I’m doing on Saturday,’ he said.
‘I’ve done enough to know I physically can do it, it’s just the mental side as well.’
After struggling with his own mental health and seeing loved ones struggle with theirs, Mr Cornes wanted to give something back to Guernsey Mind.
‘Several times, Guernsey Mind has helped people I know who are close to me,’ he added.
‘I have had anxiety myself on and off since 2019. Mental health is really important to me.’
Unlike with physical injuries, Mr Cornes said it was often difficult to know if someone was suffering, and said poor mental health was like nothing he had ever been though.
‘I would trade good physical health for good mental health in a heartbeat.
‘When someone is mentally unwell, it is very hard to tell, particularly in men.’
Inspired by charity challenges such as running 100 miles and rowing the Atlantic, Mr Cornes decided to put his lifting skills to good use.
‘The original idea was to try to deadlift the equivalent of the Herm Trident but I decided to do something a bit more realistic – I just got the image of a double decker bus either side of a barbell.’
Through cash donations and JustGiving, Mr Cornes has already raised about £2,000, double his original target.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled and anything I get now is just a bonus,’ he added.
Maddy Diligent from Guernsey Mind expressed gratitude to Mr Cornes.
‘We are so thankful that Jake has decided to support Guernsey Mind with this amazing physical and mental challenge,’ she said.
‘His dedication and training running up to the event has been incredible and we wish him the very best of luck on Saturday, but have no doubts – the double decker will be lifted.’
She encouraged islanders to support Mr Cornes in the Market Square from 11am.
n To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-cornes.
